Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and part of Italy. The island is a combination of Mediterranean coastline, beaches and vacation resorts, rich and fascinating culture, culinary and wine delights, with beautiful Architecture and archeological sites reflecting continues settlements from 12,000 BC to these days.
Through the past 12,000 years various and different cultures have left their marks on the Island. From Megalithic and Phoenician sites to impressive Greek and Roman amphitheaters and Temples including those in Taormina, Syracuse, Segesta and Agrigento.
From beautiful and amazing Arab, Norman, Byzantine and Baroque architecture and arts, such as in the Cathedrals and Palaces in Catania, Palermo and Cafalu, to the Beautiful small medieval villages and towns such as Savoca, Modica, and Erice.
Explore active Volcanic mountains from the famous Mount Etna through to the Aeolian islands of Stromboli and Vulcano,
Sicily is generally hilly with few mountain ranges, such as the northern coast mountain ranges of Madonie, and Peloritani, the southeastern Hyblaean Mountains and obviously the active Volcano of the Etna Mountain dominating the eastern coast.
Enjoy the island’s nature with outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, and rafting in the Madonie Nature Reserve, the northwestern magnificent and unspoiled coastline in the Zingaro Natural Reserve, and the Alcantara River Park with its amazing canyons and whitewater river.
Have few days of relaxation, sunbathing, swimming and diving in some of the Mediterranean’s best beaches or in one of the 12 surrounding islands, such as in the northwestern parts around Palermo, in the southeast near Modica, in the east around Taormina and Naxos, or in one of the Aeolian islands.
While vacationing in the island, enjoy and explore the rich and unique culture, stroll the narrow stone paved streets with their small local shops, stop for a coffee and gelato (Ice cream), and have lunch or dinner in one of the fabulous local restaurants.
Enjoy the local dishes with Mediterranean flavors made from local ingredients of shellfish and citrus, tuna and swordfish, eggplant, ricotta cheese, pistachios, almonds, basil, and olive oil.
Sicily has a Mediterranean climate in which traveling is recommended all year round, with the perfect seasons being April through June, and September through November, while July and August being quite warm.
Syracuse
Caltagirone
Pretoria Fountain
Most travelers will reach Sicily flying into Palermo in Sicily’s northwest, or Catania in the island’s east coast, where in both regions you will find major attractions.
For a complete Sicily tour covering both regions, Thetjoy.com recommends to fly into Palermo and fly out from Catania or vice versa, and while traveling between the two regions visit Agrigento in the south coast, and Villa Romana del Casale near Piazza Armerina and Enna, and the Pottery town of Caltagirone in central Sicily.
- Spend 4-8 days in the northwestern Palermo and its surroundings including visits of Agrigento in the south and Villa Romana del Casale in central Sicily.
- Spend 6-8 days on the eastern coast in the cities and towns of Syracuse and its surroundings, Catania and Taormina, including the magnificent Etna Mountain and its craters.
- In addition, consider spending 1-4 days in the interesting and beautiful Aeolian Islands, and few more days of relaxation in one of the beautiful Sicilian beaches.
- A complete Sicily travel itinerary including both the Palermo area and the east coast, will take at least 12 days, unless a short version, “high speed” or partial travel plan is followed.
